All posts in "stretch"

“I’d like to teach the world to singIn perfect harmonyI’d like to hold it in my armsAnd keep it company”

The New Seekers

I want to have a BIG impact on the world!

I want to put a stop to bullying.

I want to see an end to all illnesses brought on as a result of poor water quality.

I want to build a house for every widow in need.

I want to provide homes, hopes, and father figures for all the orphans in the world.

And I want there to be peace on earth – all over the earth!

It seems like I want a lot of things. And these things seem so overwhelming when I start thinking about them. After all, how can one person fix all of this?

I was talking to my Dad the other day on the way home from work, and we started talking about the desire to make the world a better place. We also talked about the GIGANTIC goals that some people seem to put down to solve the worlds problems. I think it’s good to dream big, but I also think it’s important to think small.

I truly want to build one hundred houses (or more) for widows in Guatemala. One hundred houses don’t happen all at once, and they certainly don’t happen my accident.

One hundred houses starts one house at a time. And one house starts one nail at a time.

Deep down inside, I know you want to change the world. You want to make a real lasting difference that will outlive you. In order to make this kind of impact on the world, we must learn to take one step at a time.

Andy Stanley is known for saying “Do for one what you wish you could do for everything.”

Don’t let your big dreams overwhelm you. Start small, and take one step at a time.

One more thing. Don’t wait for the PERFECT time to start. Get started right now!

What small step do you need to take RIGHT NOW to make the world a better place? Share your thoughts in the comments.

We take in so much information throughout the week. If we don’t review this information from time to time, we’ll forget it. I want to make the most of the things that stretched me this week. This starts by taking note of the things I come across each week. Then it takes intentional time to review these notes. Finally, great information is meant to be shared. Here are some of the things that stretched me this week:

“Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. You wait and watch and work – you don’t give up.” – Anne Lamott [via Entreprenuer.com]

“Christ’s love and grace will not produce guilt or shame, but it will fill us [with] a feeling of great responsibility.”Maile Smucker [via ShawnSmucker.com]

“To the extent that we surrender our tendencies to condemn others, and are able instead to forgive, we will experience the fullness of forgiveness from God.”Dr. John Townsendand Dr. Henry Cloud [via Forgiveness Reading Plan –YouVersion.com]

“When doing public ministry, you need more private time with the Lord.”Sean McFeely

“If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.”Zig Ziglar [via Dictionary.com]

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”Dr. Seuss [via Dictionary.com]

“[An attitude of forgiveness] releases us from a life of keeping emotional scorecards and insisting that everything be fair and leads to a life of love, grace, freedom, and forgiveness.”Dr. John Townsendand Dr. Henry Cloud [via Forgiveness Reading Plan –YouVersion.com]

“To forgive is very difficult. It means letting go of something that someone “owes” us. But forgiveness brings freedom from the past; it brings freedom from anyone who has hurt us. To forgive means to write it off. Let it go. Tear up the account. It is to render the account cancelled.”Dr. John Townsendand Dr. Henry Cloud [via Forgiveness Reading Plan –YouVersion.com]

“If you don’t take the first step, you’ll never get to the second step.”Zig Ziglar

“Eat a live from first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.”Mark Twain

Scripture that stretched me this week:

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. Hebrews 6:10

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” Matthew 16:26

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. Psalm 116:1-2

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:12-13

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:43-44

“‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4

What STRETCHED you this week? Share your observations and thoughts in the comments below.

We take in so much information throughout the week. If we don’t review this information from time to time, we’ll forget it. I want to make the most of the things that stretched me this week. This starts by taking note of the things I come across each week. Then it takes intentional time to review these notes. Finally, great information is meant to be shared. Here are some of the things that stretched me this week:

Quotes that stretched me this week:

“We can be sure our prayers are answered precisely in the way we would want them to be answered if we knew everything God knows.” – Tim Keller [via JeffRandleman.com]

“Nothing promotes reconciliation more than forgiveness. To forgive someone means to let him or her off the hook or to cancel a debt owed. When we refuse to forgive someone, we still want something from that person, and even if it is revenge that we want, it keeps us tied to the person forever.” – Dr. John Townsendand Dr. Henry Cloud [via Forgiveness Reading Plan –YouVersion.com]

Scripture that stretched me this week:

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27

What STRETCHED you this week? Share your observations and thoughts in the comments below.

We take in so much information throughout the week. If we don’t review this information from time to time, we’ll forget it. I want to make the most of the things that stretched me this week. This starts by taking note of the things I come across each week. Then it takes intentional time to review these notes. Finally, great information is meant to be shared. Here are some of the things that stretched me this week:

What STRETCHED you this week? Share your observations and thoughts in the comments below.

We take in so much information throughout the week. If we don’t review this information from time to time, we’ll forget it. I want to make the most of the things that stretched me this week. This starts by taking note of the things I come across each week. Then it takes intentional time to review these notes. Finally, great information is meant to be shared. Here are some of the things that stretched me this week:

Quotes that stretched me this week:

“Knowledge of biblical doctrine is to the soul as an anchor to the ship, that holds it steady in the midst of the rolling waves of error, or the violent winds of persecution.”Thomas Watson [via JeffRandleman.com]

“Just because you’ve received an email, doesn’t mean you need to use your time to process it.” – MichaelHyatt.com

What STRETCHED you this week? Share your observations and thoughts in the comments below.

We take in so much information throughout the week. If we don’t review this information from time to time, we’ll forget it. I want to make the most of the things that stretched me this week. This starts by taking note of the things I come across each week. Then it takes intentional time to review these notes. Finally, great information is meant to be shared. Here are some of the things that stretched me this week:

Quotes that stretched me this week:

“The severest self-denials and the most lavish gifts are of no value in God’s esteem unless they are prompted by love.”A.W. Pink [via JeffRandleman.com]

“Take the long view. Tune out the drama, and get back to the things that matter most.” – MichaelHyatt.com

“The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” – John Lee Dumas

“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.”Zig Ziglar [via Manlio Mannozzi]

“Together with a culture of work, there must be a culture of leisure as gratification. To put it another way: people who work must take the time to relax, to be with their families, to enjoy themselves, read, listen to music, play a sport.” Pope Francis [via DeliberateDads.com]

Scripture that stretched me this week:

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. I Corinthians 12:26

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. I Corinthians 1:10

What STRETCHED you this week? Share your observations and thoughts in the comments below.

We take in so much information throughout the week. If we don’t review this information from time to time, we’ll forget it. I want to make the most of the things that stretched me this week. This starts by taking note of the things I come across each week. Then it takes intentional time to review these notes. Finally, great information is meant to be shared. Here are some of the things that STRETCHED me this week:

Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it. Ecclesiastes 7:12

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing dept to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. James 1:26

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:1-3

What STRETCHED you this week? Share your observations and thoughts in the comments below.

We take in so much information throughout the week. If we don’t review this information from time to time, we’ll forget it. I want to make the most of the things that stretched me this week. This starts by taking note of the things I come across each week. Then it takes intentional time to review these notes. Finally, great information is meant to be shared. Here are some of the things that STRETCHED me this week:

“When performance is measured, performance improves. When performance is measured and reported, the rate of improvement accelerates.”Thomas Merton [via MattMcWilliams.com]

“Make it a habit to tell people than you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you. Truly appreciate life, and you’ll find that you have more of it.”Ralph Marston

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:18

“Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and think of what could go right.” – Unknown [via MichaelHyatt.com]

I’m not a Tom Brady or Patriots fan, but this ESPN clip got me…

If you’re not watching This Is Us on NBC, you might want to watch this moment…

What STRETCHED you this week? Share your observations and thoughts in the comments below.

Stress happens.

How you handle stress matters.

My post today initially started as an explanation for a recent reduction in my weekly blog posts, and it turned into an all-out focus on handling the stress we face in life. I’m not going to change the initial part of the post as I think it helps provide a window into the stress I’ve been experiencing recently. I don’t know what stress you are dealing with lately, but I’m hoping today’s post will help you as you face life’s challenges.

What is on your goal list?

Are you giving attention to the goals you really want to accomplish?

You may have noticed a recent drop off in the number of posts I am releasing each week. There’s a reason (actually, there are a few reasons):

I’m working on my next book project. A good percentage of my normal writing time is currently focused on this project. With a busy work and family schedule, I have to be intentional with my time. And in some cases, this means I have to give up something to get something else. Once I get through this book project, I hope to post more frequently. Until then, I’m learning to be content with a post or two per week.

I’ve had a few “distractions” in my life lately. Without going into too much detail, these distractions have been related to my job, my home, my family, and our upcoming missions trip to Guatemala. Most of these things are great, but they have required a significant portion of my regular bandwidth. For my job, I’m preparing to visit Chicago at the end of the month for an exclusive leadership development workshop. The pre-work for this workshop will ensure I get the most out of the experience which will team me up with leaders from Mexico, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. For my family, we are navigating the college selection process for the first time with our oldest child. We are supporting our son as he works on his Eagle Scout project. And we’re running between various activities at the track, the concert hall, and elsewhere. My parents are also going through some health challenges and life transitions. And our family is trying to put the finishing touches on our plans to go back to Guatemala this summer. (You can support us here or here.)

Life is about choices.

If you are a “Go Getter” like me, you have to come to terms with this fact: You can’t do everything.

Sometimes you have to let go of the good, so you can focus on the great. And sometimes you have to sacrifice some of the things on your personal agenda, so you can focus on the things that come your way in the course of life.

As I’ve faced some of the recent challenges (and “distractions”), I’ve dealt with some anxiety, some sleepless nights, and some emotion. To put it simply, I’ve experienced stress. Stress is a normal part of life in today’s world. Unfortunately, many of us don’t know handle ourselves when the stress levels climb. As I work through my the stress in my life, I’ve developed a list to help me deal with the stress. I’m hoping this will help you when you deal with stress.

10 Essentials For Overcoming the Stress in Your Life

Eat right. Eating junk only drags you down. When stress happens, our eating habits are the first things to be compromised. Junk in equals junk out. Put the good stuff in to help you overcome the stresses you are juggling. Eat regularly. Balance your intake with proteins and plant-based carbohydrates. Drink plenty of water. Avoid excess sugar and caffeine. Limit the amount of alcohol you consume.

Exercise. When we get too busy, we often forget to take care of ourselves physically. Regular exercise is paramount to dealing with an abundance of stress, and it’s essential for building you up for the future challenges you will face. Regular cardio and strength training gives you more energy and helps build your immune system.

Get sleep. I struggle with this one. We all need different amounts of sleep, but most of us need far more sleep that we actually get. The past few months, I have returned to taking a nap or two on the weekend. These short siestas help restore my energy levels to better handle the challenges of the upcoming week. Try going to bed earlier (I’m preaching to myself now). Turn off the electronics and the television. Read a book. Drink a warm glass of milk. And head to bed early.

Get fresh air. Too often, we get stuck in the office all day. Our only fresh air intake happens when we walk into the office at the beginning of the day and when we walk to our car at the end of the day. Use your lunch time to take a quick walk or to visit a local park. Breathe in the fresh air.

Practice gratitude. When stress levels begin to elevate, we tend to become more negative. We forget to appreciate what is going on around us. Find a way to practice gratitude. Start a gratitude journal, and write in it every day. Write down two or three things you appreciated about your day. You’ll be surprised to see the impact of this discipline on your stress levels.

Plug into a support system. You may need a little help from your friends. I’m in three or four groups that encourage me through tough times. We all need a this kind of support system. I meet with 13 other men on a weekly basis. I meet with a small group of entrepreneurs every other week. I meet with a group of families twice a month. And I meet with a group of fellow managers every week at my office. These meetings are essential to balancing the stresses of life. These groups have been a place for me to let out some of the emotion I am dealing with and to calibrate my responses to whatever is happening in my life. If the stress levels continue to rise, I’d highly recommend professional counseling. Several years ago when I was going through a very stressful time in my life, I met with a counselor for several weeks. These sessions helped.

Stay connected with those who are closest to you. Stress impacts our relationships with those we love. In order to counterbalance this natural tendency, it’s imperative that we find ways to spend time together so we can connect. My wife and I practice a weekly date night which helps. Plan ahead for time away from the normal routines and pressures of life. My wife and I are planning a trip to Vermont in June to celebrate our 20th anniversary and to simply connect away from home. If you have children, date them too. Take your son or daughter out for ice cream or for a bike ride. Time together with those we love builds better relationships and builds a foundation for dealing with the stresses of life.

Stay grounded in God’s word. Don’t underestimate the power of God’s word in overcoming the challenges of life. God’s word encourages, teaches, and reminds us of truths we must remember when life gets challenging. One of the verses that came back to me recently is Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.“

Pray. My prayer life has increased recently. Pray for God’s intervention in the challenges you are facing. Pray for wisdom, peace, and joy. Pray for those who seem to be coming against you. Pray that God would use the challenges you are facing now to help others later. Stress often leads to bitterness, so we must pray that God would change our hearts.

Don’t give up. Don’t quit. Keep going. Don’t let the stress stop you from moving ahead. Learn. Take one step at a time. And keep stretching!

I feel better already.

How about you?

How do you handle stress? What do you do to overcome stress in your life? Why do you think it’s important to address our response to stress?

If you are looking for additional help in handling stress, I think the 7 Week Stretch Challenge could help. Sign up below:

Too many of us go after things in life that really are meaningless. When we step back and look at it from a different perspective, we realize that we had our ladder leaned up against the wrong wall, and we’ve been climbing to the top only to realize that we were climbing against the wrong wall.

This week I received some tough news that reminded me that this life is fleeting – it’s short. And we will endure problems, trials, and illnesses, and we will eventually come to a realization that a lot of the things we are pursuing in life really don’t matter when it comes down to it.

I don’t know about you, but I want my life to mean something. I want to pursue things that matter. I don’t want to waste my time doing things that won’t add up to a hill of beans. I want to be intentional with how I live my life – on a day by day basis and on a moment by moment basis.

Our perspective changes as we go through life. We see things through different lenses along the way, and sometimes I think that we go through trials in life to re-calibrate us – to reset our vision. I think this might be happening through my experience this week – in the tough circumstances that I’m wrestling with in my own mind.

What are your priorities and what are you doing about them? Do you know them? Have you stopped long enough to pay attention – to really process the priorities that you have in your life?

Is it work? Is it achievement? Is it notoriety? Is it fame? Is it your family? Is it your faith? Is it financial freedom?

All these things are okay, but are they really your priorities? Have you stopped long enough to really analyze what matters most in life?

Once you know your priorities, it’s important to map out how you’re going to get there.

What are you going to do? How are you going to change your life to live in light of those priorities?

I cannot answer that question for you. This is a question you need to answer for yourself.

I just finished listening to a new book, Living Forward, by Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy, and they challenge readers to consider writing their own eulogy.

What would you want people to stay at your funeral? If this is what you want people to say, how are you living your life to prepare for this?

I don’t know how everything is going to work out with the situation I’m facing, but I do know I have the opportunity to really analyze my priorities and shift some of my perspectives. And just maybe I will come down from the ladder that I was climbing on to make sure I have it positioned against the correct wall.

This is the challenge I leave you with today: Is your ladder leaning against the correct wall, or are you chasing things that are meaningless?

Live a life that matters.

Pursue your priorities. Carefully consider your priorities. Gain new perspective, and live your life with intention.

More importantly, what I’m learning through this experience is the importance of relationships. You can pursue all kinds of achievement and accolades and everything, but the reality is the relationships that you have with others matters so much more than those career positions and promotions, those super-large portfolios, and those trophies. Take time today to connect with those who matter most in your life. And then repeat every day for the rest of your life.

If you want to find meaning in your life:

6 Essentials for Finding Meaning in Your Life

Look in the mirror.

Determine your priorities.

Live intentionally in light of your priorities.

Plug into key relationships.

Above all else, seek God first.

Repeat for the rest of your life.

What is the meaning of your life? Knowing this, how are you living your life? Share your thoughts in the comments.